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Original poster

Why are people not wearing masks?

778 replies

FergusComeLately · 16/05/2020 17:51

I’m queuing inside my local supermarket, I’ve see one other person wearing a mask.

Does it not make sense to just TRY to protect other people and try and keep infection rates down. Even a scarf wound round your face?!

I think they should be compulsory when you are inside. Is it the PPE shortage which is preventing Boris from making it so?

Talk to me about masks!

OP posts:
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MintyMabel · 16/05/2020 19:58

Because they are unnecessary! I don’t know any medical professionals who wear ppe out and about.

Well, they should, if they are working with Covid patients, as the one thing a mask can do is stop the spread from a potentially infected person.

If they aren't dealing with Covid then the fact they are medical professionals is irrelevant.

wildcherries · 16/05/2020 19:59

@rainycloudyday I agree so much with this.

Loveita · 16/05/2020 20:01

@Whataloadofshite I have a legitimate reason I DONT WANT TO.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 16/05/2020 20:03

I'm not wearing one because I don't want to. I absolutely hate things covering my mouth and nose, it makes me panic and feel claustrophobic.

If they become mandatory, I'll wear one. But as they are not mandatory, I'm not wearing one.

Redolent · 16/05/2020 20:05

I’m from a country where 90% of people don’t wear a seatbelt, citing exactly the same reasons as many on this thread. It’s obvious that the government needs to make the mandatory in line with many other countries.

Cloudsarebright · 16/05/2020 20:05

Seems selfish when there’s a ppe shortage for frontline staff.
Also there’s evidence to suggest it puts the wearer at risk with increased face touching etc. The fact that flu rates are similar in countries where masks have been commonly used for years says a lot.

nightimebrowser · 16/05/2020 20:10

I've been using a scarf.

Figmentofmyimagination · 16/05/2020 20:13

It can’t be good for you, over a long period eg the workplace, to be breathing the same recycled air, trapped inside your mask. Sounds like a recipe for discomfort and infection.

canigooutyet · 16/05/2020 20:16

I find it easier to train myself to not need to constantly touch my face every 20 seconds. I touch mine a couple a times a day, some of which involves washing.

And what is the point wearing the mask without the gloves? And either way, still have to wash when you get home, and if you really care wash down all the food etc. Life is too short

stayingaliveisawayoflife · 16/05/2020 20:19

We bought ski masks as we thought if they were made for exercise they should be more comfortable. They fix with Velcro around the back of your neck and have filters. They are washable and have a waterproof coating. I thought something meant for exercise might be more comfortable to wear. If they are not worn and are still in their packaging we will donate them to a charity shop as they can still be used for skiing or cycling.

rookiemere · 16/05/2020 20:20

I have bought some fabric ones and wear them when I am shopping. I think I've already had covid-19, but I'd like life to get back to some sort of normality sooner rather than later and if wearing a mask encourages a hastening of that, then I'm all for them.

I find it hot and sweaty though and it makes my nose itchy.

yellowbluebell · 16/05/2020 20:24

I don't want to and I also don't care if people think me not wanting to wear one is selfish .

Apolloanddaphne · 16/05/2020 20:24

I made one and tried to wear it when shopping. I fiddled with it constantly and it made me feel very sick so I took it off. I think it's safer if I get round the shop quickly without touching my face constantly rather than wearing a mask.

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 16/05/2020 20:26

Because I have PTSD and can't currently cope with anything tight over my mouth/nose. I can just about tolerate a light scarf as long as it isn't tight. Masks are an absolute no.

PestymcPestFace · 16/05/2020 20:26

I don’t wear a mask because I have no symptoms of CV so have no need to protect others.

Nor do 40% of people who have coronavirus.

Guess you also don't need to use a tissue if you have an improtu sneeze also.

Footywife · 16/05/2020 20:28

Because it isn't compulsory.

Apparently that makes me a 'selfish wanker'...

PurpleDaisies · 16/05/2020 20:29

Guess you also don't need to use a tissue if you have an improtu sneeze also.

Ffs. How is that the same?

PestymcPestFace · 16/05/2020 20:29

canigooutyet if everyone wore masks, nobody would have to wash down food as it would not have been breathed on and contaminated by everyone.

Wear a mask and come down of lockdown earlier or sit there and waffle that you don't want to.

Why are people not wearing masks?
Alymcnabs · 16/05/2020 20:30

Nor do 40% of people who have coronavirus.
Guess you also don't need to use a tissue if you have an improtu sneeze also

I haven’t come into contact with anyone over the past 2 months. Why would I be harbouring symptoms??

PestymcPestFace · 16/05/2020 20:32

Alymcnabs if you have not come into contact with anyone over the last two months and have no intention of coming into contact with anyone in the next few weeks, you have no need to wear a mask.

If you go to a shop or use public transport or use a lift at work then these are the occasions when you would need to wear a mask.

Rightbutno · 16/05/2020 20:35

They aren't that widely available still especially if people are not able to shop online.
People are not able to make one.
People are unsure of the effectiveness of home made or non medical masks.
The official advice is not yet to wear one all of the time.
People are worried about taking supplies away from health and social care.

So just a few reasons ofd the top of my head. Not that baffling?

BTW I wear one as I did research in February and bought some plus have one a family member made. L

BillywilliamV · 16/05/2020 20:35

We live in an area with 629,000 people and just over 1,000 cases, you do the maths!

BillywilliamV · 16/05/2020 20:36

Thats confirmed cases, obviously but I quite like the odds even so!

Rightbutno · 16/05/2020 20:37

@Dinosauratemydaffodils sorry to hear that. They are very hot and uncomfortable even for a shopping trip so I understand if you have past trauma. Really made me appreciate what the health and social care workers experience.

MrsKypp · 16/05/2020 20:38

Masks protect both ways and should definitely be worn I think.

They protect others from the wearer's germs e.g. when coughing, sneezing,

They protect the wearer from other people's germs.

At the moment with Covid19 I think it should be law to wear a mask over your nose and mouth when out, and ideally, something in front of your eyes too.